BSc Hons Immunology & Microbiology at University of Strathclyde

Study with us

• Immunology is the study of how the body defends itself against disease
• Microbiology is the study of the smallest living organisms (micro-organisms or microbes)
• opportunity to choose specific degree combinations will allow you to go into specialist biomedical science areas such as neuroscience, cardiovascular research, immunopharmacology, industrial immunology, drug research, biochemistry, microbiology and bacteriology
• we're ranked in the UK Top 10 for Biological Sciences (Complete University Guide 2020)

Why this course?

Immunology helps us understand how the immune system is tricked into attacking its own tissue, leading to diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or allergy.

Microbiology is the study of the smallest living organisms (micro-organisms or microbes). Microbes are a major cause of disease in humans but they can also be useful in industrial processes from pollution control to the production of important therapeutic compounds.

The development of both has long been linked with the development of vaccines for smallpox and anthrax by Jenner and Pasteur respectively.

More recently, the application of modern techniques of biology to the immune system has led to a dramatic increase in our understanding of the immune system and its impact on body function, as well as in the control of microbial and other types of disease.

The interface between immunology and microbiology is a very active area for both fundamental research and for the development of new biotechnological products to diagnose or prevent disease.

Course content

In Year 1, you’ll study classes in cells and their molecules, organisms and diseases and Bio-organic chemistry.  These are all underpinned by the ‘Being a Biomolecular Scientist’ class which begins with basic laboratory skills, statistical and data analysis and presentation, report writing, health and safety and ethics.

In Year 2, you’ll gain an introduction to each of the four discipline biochemistry, immunology, microbiology and pharmacology again supported by the "Being a Biomolecular Scientist” class which develops various skills gained in Year 1.  There’s a strong emphasis on practical laboratory skills and the development of generic skills such as scientific writing and problem-solving.

In Years 3 and 4 you'll take specialist classes in Immunology and Microbiology. You will also undertake a substantial research project in Immunology or Microbiology in Year 4 and present a dissertation of the work.

Learning & teaching

You’ll gain knowledge and understanding through around 240 hours of lectures, including review-type lectures, practical classes, tutorials and computer-aided learning.

To allow you to prepare, class hand-outs are available in advance from Myplace. Hand-outs will also be supported by tasks such as essays, oral and tutorial/workshop presentations.

Careers

You could be involved in the development of drugs, food processing, protecting the environment, fighting disease or even slowing down the ageing process.

Our graduates have found jobs in the pharmaceutical, biotech and agrochemical industries, hospitals and public service laboratories, environmental centres, analytical and forensic science labs, universities, the scientific civil service and teaching at all levels.

Many students also continue onto postgraduate studies and research.

The transferrable skills you gain from this course will not only prepare you for a career in science but also in areas such as finance, management, marketing, sales, business and media.